sores on outside of lower eyelid

I've had what look like small cold sores or redness on the outside of my lower eyelids for months now.  Most of the time they are dried up and flaky, but after a shower they are red and look bad.  They do not hurt at all.  I have tried bactraban antibiotic ointment on them, but they persist.  I am prone to cold sores on my mouth, could I have spread this virus to my eyelids?  Any idea what they may be?

Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You may have anterior blepharitis. Its not likely that cold sore virus (herpes simplex type 1) would cause the problem that lasts for months.

You need to see an eye MD.

JCH MD